New Dimensions Forest Products: Lumber, Engineered Wood, and Building Materials in South Carolina
What New Dimensions Forest Products Sells
New Dimensions Forest Products is a wholesale and retail supplier of lumber, engineered wood products, and building materials based in South Carolina. The company stocks dimensional lumber, plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and specialty wood products used in framing, sheathing, and structural applications. They serve both professional contractors and homeowners undertaking renovation or construction projects.
The company operates as a regional distributor with ties to South Carolina's forest products industry. Their inventory includes pressure-treated lumber for outdoor applications, kiln-dried framing lumber, and engineered products designed to meet building code requirements. Pricing and product availability vary based on current market conditions and stock levels.
Key Takeaways
- New Dimensions Forest Products supplies lumber and engineered wood products to contractors and homeowners across South Carolina.
- Their inventory includes dimensional lumber, plywood, OSB, LVL beams, and pressure-treated wood for outdoor use.
- The company operates as a wholesale and retail distributor, meaning both trade professionals and individual buyers can purchase materials.
- Product availability and pricing depend on current market conditions, so contacting them directly about specific materials and quantities is necessary before planning a project.
Types of Lumber and Wood Products They Carry
New Dimensions stocks standard framing lumber in common dimensions—2x4s, 2x6s, 2x8s, and larger beams used in residential and light commercial construction. These materials come in both green (freshly cut) and kiln-dried grades, with kiln-dried lumber preferred for interior framing and finish work because it shrinks less after installation.
Engineered wood products make up a significant portion of their inventory. LVL beams are stronger than solid lumber of the same size and resist warping, making them ideal for headers, rim board, and long-span applications. Plywood and OSB serve as sheathing for walls, roofs, and subfloors. Pressure-treated lumber, which resists rot and insect damage, is available for decks, outdoor structures, and ground-contact applications where untreated wood would deteriorate quickly.
The company also carries specialty products such as finger-jointed studs, which are shorter pieces of wood joined end-to-end and used for non-structural applications, and various grades of hardwood lumber for trim, cabinetry, and finish work. Exact product lines and availability change based on supplier relationships and regional demand.
Who Buys From New Dimensions
Licensed contractors and construction companies are primary customers because they purchase materials in volume and need reliable supply chains for ongoing projects. General contractors, framing crews, and specialty trades such as deck builders and remodelers rely on suppliers like New Dimensions to keep projects on schedule.
Homeowners and DIY builders also purchase from New Dimensions, particularly those undertaking larger projects such as additions, decks, or barn construction where material quantities exceed what a typical big-box retailer stocks. Retail customers often benefit from the company's technical knowledge—staff can advise on lumber grades, engineered product specifications, and whether materials meet local building codes.
How to Contact and Order
New Dimensions Forest Products operates during standard business hours, and customers can contact them by phone to inquire about specific products, current pricing, and availability. Because lumber prices fluctuate based on market conditions and supply, getting a quote for your exact materials and quantities is necessary before committing to a purchase.
For larger orders, many suppliers offer delivery to job sites, which saves time and labor compared to loading materials yourself. Ask about delivery options, minimum order quantities, and whether the company can special-order materials not currently in stock. Having your project specifications ready—dimensions, quantities, grades, and any special requirements—makes the ordering process faster and more accurate.
Understanding Lumber Grades and Specifications
Lumber is graded based on strength, appearance, and defects. Structural grades such as No. 2 and No. 1 are used for framing because they meet building code requirements despite minor knots and checks. Select or appearance grades cost more but have fewer visible defects and are used for trim, siding, and other visible applications.
Engineered products come with published load ratings and span tables that tell builders how far apart supports can be spaced. These specifications matter for code compliance—using the wrong product or spacing supports too far apart can result in failed inspections or structural problems. New Dimensions staff can help match products to your project's structural requirements, but the final responsibility for code compliance rests with the builder or contractor.
Pressure-treated lumber is rated by retention level—how much preservative is in the wood—and by ground-contact or above-ground use. Using the wrong type in the wrong application shortens the lifespan of outdoor structures. Kiln-dried lumber shrinks less than green lumber after installation, which matters for finish work and interior applications where movement can cause gaps or squeaks.
Pricing and Market Factors
Lumber prices are tied to commodity markets and change frequently based on supply, demand, and transportation costs. A price quote from New Dimensions is valid only for a limited time—usually a few days to a week—so locking in pricing requires placing an order quickly if prices are rising. During periods of high demand, such as spring and early summer, material shortages can occur and lead times may extend.
Buying in bulk typically offers better per-unit pricing than small retail purchases. Contractors who purchase regularly may negotiate volume discounts or establish accounts with payment terms. Homeowners and smaller projects often pay cash or credit card prices, which are higher than contractor pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between kiln-dried and green lumber?
Green lumber is freshly cut and contains moisture. It shrinks as it dries, which can cause warping, twisting, and gaps in finished work. Kiln-dried lumber has been dried in a kiln to a target moisture content and shrinks much less after installation. For framing, either works, but for trim and interior finish, kiln-dried is preferred.
Can I use pressure-treated lumber indoors?
Modern pressure-treated lumber is safe for indoor use in most applications, though it is not recommended for areas where food is prepared or where children might chew on it. The preservatives can leach slightly, so some builders avoid it for interior trim. Check local building codes and the specific application before deciding.
What does it mean when lumber is graded No. 2 or Select?
Grades describe the number and size of defects and the strength of the wood. No. 2 is a structural grade with more knots and checks but still meets building codes for framing. Select grades have fewer visible defects and cost more. Appearance grades are used when the wood will be seen; structural grades are used where strength matters and appearance does not.
Do I need to special-order materials, or do you stock everything?
New Dimensions stocks common sizes and products, but specialty items, large quantities, or unusual dimensions may require a special order. Contact them with your project specifications to find out what is in stock and what would need to be ordered. Lead times for special orders vary.
How do I know if a product meets my local building code?
Building codes reference lumber grades and engineered product specifications. New Dimensions staff can tell you whether a product meets standard codes, but your local building inspector has the final say. Bring product specifications and grade stamps to your building department if you are unsure, or ask the inspector which products are acceptable for your project type.